Squirrel's Family Tree

PreS-Gr 1--Squirrels are the unsung heroes of the forest; by burying piles of acorns that they often never find again, squirrels ensure the germination of oak seedlings. In turn, the oaks provide nourishment and shelter to future generations of squirrels. Simple rhyme explores this process with muted full-page illustrations, done in browns and greens, neatly complementing the text. Emphasizing the long-term interconnection of flora and fauna, the illustrations first depict a squirrel watching a small child finding acorns amid young oak trees and ends with a later generation squirrel watching an old man walking under the now mature trees. Young children familiar with squirrels will benefit from understanding the connection between these common creatures and the habitats in which they frolic. Further parallels between other mutually beneficial relationships found in nature can be introduced by educators after reading with little ones. VERDICT Offering stimulating information on the valuable connection between squirrels and oaks, this book is a useful introduction to early environmental lessons.--Eva Elisabeth VonAncken, formerly at Trinity-Pawling School, NY

Copyright 2018 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Simple words and soft illustrations enhance a fact-based story of squirrels and oak trees. In this way, using a single squirrel as a focus for readers, the story delivers a larger theme of the role squirrels play in creating oak trees. Illustrator Kang's broad, soft illustrations, presented in creative perspectives, add to the story's overall feel of elapsed time-squirrel generations, seasons, and the growth of oak trees are subtly presented. — Kirkus Reviews

Offering stimulating information on the valuable connection between squirrels and oaks, this book is a useful introduction to early environmental lessons. — School Library Journal

The attractive illustrations feature soft-edge drawings, varied textures, and muted colors within well-composed scenes. Written in rhythmic, rhyming verse, the verse creates a narrative that will engage children while telling them about the intertwined lives of squirrels and oak trees. A good read-aloud choice for classrooms. — Booklist

Praise for Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry:

* This warm and tender story of two BFFs is made even more enjoyable by the charming, textured tan and blue illustrations . . . the text, suitable for beginning readers, sweetly expresses what it is to be and to have a good friend. — School Library Journal, starred review

Ferry adds zip to the best-friends-forever theme with plenty of sly puns . . . and Lichtenheld conveys significant expressiveness through the characters' dot eyes and small smiles . . . The use of instantly recognizable objects as characters gives the story universal appeal, and Ferry makes its moral unmissable. — Publishers Weekly

Praise for Papillon by A. N. Kang:

* [An] irresistible tale of an independent kitty who discovers home is best (especially when shared with a friend) . . . Puffy Papillon's the most charming puss to pop up in years! — Kirkus Reviews, starred review

[An] effervescent debut . . . Kang's a talent to watch. — Publishers Weekly

The mixed-media illustrations are whimsical, colorful, and expressive . . . The large, clear font makes this title accessible to newer readers . . . A fun choice for storytime. — School Library Journal